Getty Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes and RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire talking on the sideline during a game in November 2020.
The Kansas City Chiefs might be without star running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire for the regular season, but a new report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport suggests the rookie might be back in time for their postseason run.
#Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire suffered a hip and an ankle injury yesterday, but X-Rays were negative, per coach Andy Reid. They’ll know more after the MRI. The early expectation is CEH is done for the regular season with a chance to return for the playoffs, source said.
Per the NFL insider, the former LSU Tiger suffered a hip and an ankle injury during the team’s 32-29 victory against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The sprain occurred in the fourth quarter and as the 21-year-old hobbled off the field, he did not appear to place any weight on his left ankle.
Considering Kansas City’s offense has been something to marvel at this season, averaging 28 more total yards per game (427.9) than the next closest team, this is a huge loss for Kansas City if this year’s No. 32 overall draft pick won’t be able to suit up in the playoffs either. Sunday evening, Edwards-Helaire confirmed he received Chiefs Kingdom’s messages of support and implied he will do his best to be back on the field during the 2020 campaign.
All the prayers are felt! If I could respond to Everyone I would! So grateful to have such an impact 🤍but y’all know what run through my veins! #RunItBack #Louisianimal #mambamentality
“Clyde got twisted up,” Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said in his postgame press conference on Sunday. “He had the splits. The X-rays were negative, but we will evaluate him as we go.”
It’s been a rookie season to remember for the reigning college football national champion. Edwards-Helaire has recorded four touchdowns on 803 yards and 181 touches, averaging 4.4 yards per carry to date.
The Chiefs, currently atop the AFC standings at 13-1, are expected to earn a first-round playoff bye, so Edwards-Helaire could get at least three weeks of rehab before Kansas City plays their first postseason game.
Chiefs Players Tweet Messages of Support for CEH
In the moments following his injury and into the evening, Chiefs players lit up Twitter with reactions and messages of well wishes for their injured teammate. Check out a few below:
Damn bro…sheesh. Can’t happen
Prayers to my brudda 🙏🏾🙏🏾 shake back @Clydro_22
Time for Le’Veon Bell to Shine
Splitting the load with Edwards-Helaire in Week 15, backup running back Le’Veon Bell stepped up in a big way with a 15-carry, 62-yard performance, including a crucial fourth-quarter option touchdown from Patrick Mahomes. Thanks to the speed on the former New York Jet, the Chiefs converted the go-ahead first down in the final minute to secure the closely contested win.
“When I seen the injury with Clyde, obviously, I was praying for the best,” Bell said in his time on the podium Sunday. “It was an ugly way to get tackled… After the game, I came and talked to him. He’s in good spirits… I just kind of told him, ‘Good game. I’m glad you had the opportunity to play back at home.’ He was happy, still excited, in good spirits, so I think him getting worked back in and seeing where he goes with his injury, that’s up to him and the coaches, and we’ll see where we go from there.”
*sighs* 😎🥱😴
“He’s been a great addition,” Mahomes said of Bell’s contribution since his October 15 arrival. “He’s been making plays when he’s been in the football game. Obviously we’re hoping Clyde gets back quickly, but I think we have good guys in that running back room that will step up and really embrace that role.”
In addition to Bell, the Chiefs also have Darrel Williams and Darwin Thompson to add some excitement to the running game. Before focusing on the playoffs, Andy Reid’s men have two more regular season contests. Both back at home at Arrowhead Stadium, the Chiefs will host the Atlanta Falcons next Sunday and the Los Angeles Chargers for their season finale on January 3.
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